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BY: MARIA KANAI Make Christmas day extra special by visiting one of these restaurants around Hawaii that’s serving up delicious food for dinner. Think beyond roast turkey or carved ham with mashed potatoes (though there’s nothing wrong with that!) – these are all establishments known for local flair and being creative with their dishes, which…

By Maria Kanai Oahu – Christmas Lane, 45-355 to 45-395 Namoku Street Every year, practically all the homes on this street light up for the holidays. Find parking if you’re able to and walk from end to end to see all the fun decorations like Waldo, snowmen, giant penguins and bears, Minions and more. There’s…

Photo by Natalie Schack Festive, local Christmas Cards to Give This Yuletide Season BY: NATALIE SCHACK Little notes and trinkets that let people know you’re thinking about them can speak serious volumes. That especially goes for when you’re living it up in Hawaii during this time of year, when your frostbitten friends back home may…

Leonard’s on Kapahulu Avenue. Has the best Malasadas. BY: NATALIE SCHACK There’s so much to see in Hawaii, from the majestic mountain ranges scraping their green tops against the clear, blue sky, to the wild, cresting waves, rushing in and out on the shore like some mesmerizing azure dance. It’s a beautiful feast for your…

Photo courtesy: Roberta Oaks Kira Hawaii rings. Photos courtesy Kira Hawaii. Kira Hawaii jewelry, necklace, and earrings. Photos courtesy Kira Hawaii. BY: MARIA KANAI Holiday shopping is far from ho-ho-ho hum when you’re visiting the island of O’ahu. Some of the best boutiques in Hawai’i are located here, and you’ll feel great knowing you’re shopping local and supporting small businesses. Here are our must-visit shops where we promise you’ll find something for everyone on your list: significant others, parents, kids, friends and of course, don’t forget something for yourself! 1. Roberta Oaks It’s official – aloha shirts are, and have always been, a fashion staple in our closet. And, while you might be familiar with old-school, luxurious style of well-known brands like Tommy Bahama or Tori Richards, we have a soft spot for the oh-so retro, fun vibes found at…

BY: MARIA KANAI As we enter the merry holiday season, it’s also important for us to remember NationalPearl Harbor Remembrance Day, which is held annually on December 7. To honor the 2,403 U.S. citizens who were killed in the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on that day in 1941, you can participate in several…

BY: MARIA KANAI While winter in Hawaii isn’t quite full of typical, traditional Christmas images: white snow, sweater weather or a roaring fireplace, we’ve got plenty of Christmas spirit of our own! Here are some of our favorite ways we do winter … island-style! 1. Holiday Feasting You know it’s a party when there’s a pile of slippers (slippahs)! crowding the front door. Our Christmas parties tend to morph into an all-day, potluck-style feast with a revolving door of guests: parents, kids, aunties, uncles, tutus, friends, grandkids, and so on – maybe because we live in a state where so many homes are made up of multi-generational families. Some of our family-favorite dishes during the holidays include: Kalua turkey: Slow-cooked shredded turkey with a deep, smoky-salty flavor Pumpkin crunch: All the aunties make this! The crust holds a sweet pumpkin…

Mark your calendar! From hula festivals and ocean sports to live music and entertainment, the long days of summer are the perfect time to take advantage of Oahu’s many outdoor events and activities. Plan your trip now to soak in Hawaii’s warm, balmy weather along with all the culture, sports and music the islands have…

When you think of Hawaii you don’t typically think of it as a shopping destination (unless it’s to pick up an extra swimsuit to use at the beach). But from fresh macadamia nuts and locally made honey, to colorfully designed aloha shirts and brightly printed purses, there’s a good chance that you’ll want to take…

Are you ready to challenge your palate? When it comes to cuisine, the fun begins when you start trying dishes a few steps outside of your comfort zone. Hawaii is filled with many different foods from a wide range of cultures. Although some menu items might sound a little strange – like everything else, you…

The new year is here! And aside from setting personal, health and business goals, it’s also time to start solidifying those travel plans for 2018. Sure, you could visit Hawaii any year, but we’ve got the perfect “excuse” (in case you needed one or more) to make this year the year to pack your bags…

The Lunar New Year – or Chinese New Year – is right around the corner and in Hawaii, it’s a pretty big deal. From block party celebrations to household traditions, the coming of the New Year gathers people together as they wish one another good fortune and honor ancestors. The date of the Lunar New…